Phytochemical and Anti-nutrients Composition in chromolaena odorata Leaves

Abstract

Phytochemicals are substances produced by plants that enhance their competitiveness in their natural environment. These chemical substances possess diverse biological properties that humans may use beneficially. The broad and varied pharmacological effects of medicinal plants are largely dependent on their phytochemical constituents. Antinutrients are naturally occurring plant compounds that can interfere with the absorption and bioavailability of essential nutrients, thereby influencing nutritional quality and health outcomes. This study investigated the phytochemical content and antinutrient composition of Chromolaena odorata leaves. The leaves were harvested from a farm in Rumuekini, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. The plant samples were identified and authenticated, air-dried at room temperature, pulverised, and used for the analytical procedures. One gram (1 g) of the plant extract was transferred to a test tube, and 25 mL of ethanol was added. The phytochemical constituents were quantified using a BUCK M910 gas chromatograph equipped with an HP-5MS column. Oxalate, phytate, cyanogenic glycoside, lectin, and gluten were determined using various standard procedures. Alkaloids, terpenes, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, sterols, steroids, and hydrocarbons were identified in the plant sample. The molecular weights and concentrations, expressed in ppm, of 137 compounds in C. odorata leaves were determined. Ferulic acid, a phenolic compound with a molecular mass of 194.18 g/mol, had a concentration of 9,000 ppm. Other compounds included kaempferol (53,800 ppm), oxalic acid (8,200 ppm), turmerone (144,400 ppm), Atlantone (40,200 ppm), and zingiberene (64,200 ppm). Piperine was present at the highest concentration. The antinutrients identified and quantified were cyanogenic glycoside, phytic acid, oxalate, gluten, and lectin. The findings showed that C. odorata leaves contain numerous compounds that may elicit various biological functions, suggesting potential ethnomedicinal and pharmacological applications. The antinutrients present in the leaves may reduce nutrient bioavailability; however, their reported physiological roles as antioxidants and anticarcinogenic agents were also noted.